Internal Parasite Manual

INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

DIAGNOSTIC MANUALDeveloped with Dr. Byron Blagburn

College of Veterinary MedicineAuburn University

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Parasitology is a fascinating field, especially when exploring the intricate mechanisms by which parasites propagate. In the fast-paced veterinary clinic environment, the study of parasitology too often becomes routine and mundanewe simply perform yet another fecal examination and dutifully record the results.

We invite you to step out of this routine and rediscover the amazing life cycles of these remarkable organisms. Challenge yourself to not only identify a hookworm egg by genus alone, but by species. Explore the complex relationships between parasites and their intermediate and definitive hosts.

This diagnostic manual is designed to be an informative source for the identification and exploration of internal parasites. To be of most benefit to veterinarians and technicians, the manual was designed to be convenient and easy to use. As youll see, the parasites described in this manual have been divided into two groups according to the material (i.e., feces or blood) tested for infection. Additional sections are devoted to pseudoparasites, parasite life cycles and practical, time-saving diagnostic procedures. In addition, you will find guidelines for para-site prevention in dogs and cats developed by the Companion Animal Parasite Council, plus a handy index.

All of the information provided here is brief and to the point. Wherever possible, symbols are used to convey key information (see the key at left).

We would like to acknowledge Professor Byron Blagburn, Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, for providing astute technical assistance and one-of-a-kind illustrative material for this manual.

Novartis is pleased to provide you with this laboratory manual to assist with diagnosis of common parasites in dogs and cats. We hope it will further aid your fecal examinations and parasite identification. Please use this manual to help educate your clients on the risks and prevention of internal parasites. We are honored to work with you toward the most important goal: a happy, healthy pet.

Jason Drake, DVM Dr. France Gagn Director of Professional Services National Director, Professional Services Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. Novartis Animal Health Canada Inc.

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Throughout this manual, you will find icons that indicate the species affected by individual parasites (see definitions for the species icons below), plus drawings that provide relative size comparisons. In each key, a simple drawing of the parasite being discussed will be shown next to a Toxocara spp. egg drawing.

Indicates the parasite infects dogs.

Indicates the parasite infects cats.

Indicates the parasite infects raccoons.

Indicates that one or more stages in the life cycle of the parasite can infect humans.

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Parasites found in blood 5Nematodes 6

Parasites found in feces 9Parasites of the gastrointestinal tract Cestodes 10 Nematodes 16 Protozoa 24Parasites of the respiratory tract Nematodes 28 Trematodes 29Parasites of the urinary tract Nematodes 30

Pseudoparasites 31

CONTENTS

Parasite life cycles 37Feline 38Canine 45

Parasite prevalence 57

Diagnostic techniques 61 Direct smear 62

Sedimentation 63Flotation 64Centrifugation 65

Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) guidelines 69

Index 72

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PARASITES FOUND IN BLOOD

NematodesAcanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) reconditum 6Dirofilaria immitis 7


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Acanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) reconditum

Note the characteristic smaller size and blunt anterior end of microfilariae of A. reconditum (top) and the characteristic tapering anterior end of microfilariae of D. immitis (bottom).

Characteristics of microfilariae of D. immitis and A. reconditum

Dirofilaria Acanthocheilonema immitis reconditum

Length 307322 m 246293 m (310 m average) (280 m average)

Width (13 of length 6.17.2 m 4.7 5.8 m from anterior end)

Shape of head Tapered Blunted

Cellularity of Cellular Clear space anterior end

Condition of tail Straight Button hook shaped in some (artifact of formalin fixation)

Motility in Stationary Progressive direct smear of (tends to move anticoagulated out of field whole blood of view)


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Adult D. immitis in the right ventricle of the heart.

Dirofilaria immitis

Microfilariae of D. immitis as seen on a membrane filtration test. Note: Circulating microfilariae are very rarely observed in the cat.

Dirofilaria immitis

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PARASITES FOUND IN FECES

PARASITES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACTCestodesDipylidium caninum 10Echinococcus spp. 14Taenia spp. 15

NematodesAncylostoma caninum 16Ancylostoma tubaeforme 17Uncinaria stenocephala 18Physaloptera spp. 20Toxascaris leonina 21Toxocara canis 21Toxocara cati 21Baylisascaris procyonis 22Trichuris vulpis 23

ProtozoaGiardia spp. 24Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp. 25Toxoplasma gondii 27Cryptosporidium spp. 27

PARASITES OF THE RESPIRATORY TRACTNematodesAelurostrongylus abstrusus 28Eucoleus (Capillaria) aerophilus 28

TrematodesParagonimus kellicotti 29

PARASITES OF THE URINARY TRACTNematodesPearsonema (Capillaria) feliscati 30Pearsonema (Capillaria) plica 30


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Egg packet of D. caninum

Dipylidium caninum

PARASITES OF THE GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT CESTODES

Comparison of adult D. caninum with a canine roundworm.

Dipylidium caninum

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Dipylidium caninum

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT CESTODES

Dried D. caninum segments; sometimes found by pet owners.

Dipylidium caninum

Adult D. caninum. Note that the segments are lon-ger than they are wide. Dried proglottids (segments) are sometimes brought in for identification by pet owners.

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INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATSPARASITES FOUND IN FECES

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Dipylidium caninum Taenia pisiformis*

Comparison of common tapeworms in dogs and cats

*A similar tapeworm, Taenia (syn. Hydatigera) taeniaeformis infects cats. It resembles T. pisiformis.

Common name Cucumber seed tapeworm Dog - Rabbit tapeworm

Definitive host Dog, cat, rarely humans Dog

Intermediate host Fleas, lice Rabbits

Size Small; 0.20.8 meters (0.62.6 feet) Large; 0.62 meters (1.96.6 feet)

Structure of head Small rostellum (attachment device) armed with many small hooks; rostellum is surrounded by 4 suckers

Large rostellum with a double row of large hooks; rostellum is surrounded by 4 suckers

Structure of mature/gravid proglottids (tapeworm segments)

Oblong (resemble cucumber seed), with two sets of reproductive organs opening into bilateral pores; proglottids are often motile. Dried proglottids resemble rice grains.

Mature proglottids are square to rectangular, with a single set of reproductive organs opening into alternating unilateral pores. Gravid proglottids tend to be rectangular and more elongated.

Structure of eggs

Individual eggs consist of a hexacanth (6-hooked) embryo within a thin embryophore (shell); individual eggs are contained in packets of 330 eggs. Egg packets (200300 m) are passed in feces or retained within proglottids.

Individual eggs consist of a hexacanth embryo within a radially striated embryophore. Eggs (3040 m) are usually passed individually in feces. Eggs of T. pisiformis cannot be distinguished from eggs of other Taenia spp., or from those of Echinococcus spp.

Zoonotic potential Yes, usually small children No

Both Dipylidium and Taenia tapeworms are generally nonpathogenic to dogs or cats. Rarely, heavy infections can cause soft or diarrheic feces, restlessness, abdominal pain, dull coat, and excessive grooming of the perineum due to pruritus. Dipylidium caninum can infect humans, particularly small children, resulting in similar clinical signs.

Disease potential in dogs or cats

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Selected tapeworms of veterinary importance

*All tapeworms inhabit the small intestine of the definitive host.

Tapeworm Species Definitive Hosts* Intermediate Hosts Larval Stage; Site of Larval Tapeworm Development Dipylidium caninum Canids, felids, Flea, louse Cysticercoid; body cavity of insects rarely humans

Taenia pisiformis Canids Rabbits Cysticercus; abdominal cavity and liver of rabbits Taenia hydatigena Canids Livestock Cysticercus; abdominal cavity and liver of livestock Taenia ovis Canids Sheep, goats Cysticercus; musculature of intermediate hosts Taenia multiceps Canids Sheep, cattle, humans Coenurus; brain and spinal cord of intermediate hosts Taenia serialis Canids Rabbits, rodents, Coenurus; connective tissue of rabbits, rarely humans rodents and rarely humans

Taenia taeniaeformis Felids Rodents Strobilocercus; liver of rodents Mesocestoides spp. Canids, felids Coprophilic insect Tetrathyridium in insect or mite and in or mite (1st host); abdominal cavity and liver of vertebrates mammals, reptiles, frogs, birds (2nd host)

Echinococcus granulosus Canids Livestock, humans Unilocular hydatid cyst; liver, lungs Echinococcus multilocularis Canids, rarely felids Rodents, humans, Multilocular hydatid; liver, lungs rarely pig, horse

Spirometra mansonoides Felids, canids, Copepods (1st host); Procercoid (body cavity of copepods); plerocercoid raccoons many verterbrates (body musculature and subcutaneous fascia of except fish (2nd hosts) vertebrates)

Diphyllobothrium latum Humans, canids, Copepods (1st host); Procercoid (body cavity of copepods); plerocercoid felids, porcids fish (2nd host); several (abdominal cavity, musculature of fish) paratenic hosts

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Eggs of E. granulosus

Echinococcus spp.

Adult E. granulosus. Although E. granulosus occurs only in the dog, other species of Echinococcus appear in dogs and cats.


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Eggs of T. pisiformisNote: Cats are host to other Taenia spp.

Adult T. pisiformis. Note the difference in segment shape compared to adult D. caninum.

Taenia spp.


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Egg of A. caninum

Ancylostoma caninum Ancylostoma caninum

Anterior end of adult A. caninum. Note the three pairs of ventral teeth.

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT NEMATODES

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Egg of A. tubaeforme

Ancylostoma tubaeforme


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Egg of U. stenocephala

Uncinaria stenocephala Uncinaria stenocephala

Note the differences in size between U. stenocephala (upper right) and A. caninum (lower left).


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A. caninum

C A N I N E H O O K W O R M S1,2

Infection

Ingestion of 3rd stage larvae from contaminated environment Larval penetration of the skin Ingestion of other vertebrate hosts with infective larvae in their tissues Transmammary transmission of larvae is an important route of infection for A.

caninum Prepatent

Period14 to 21 days

(nursing puppies may shed eggs in 10 to 12 days)

13 to 27 days 13 to 27 days

Occurrence Common Uncommon (1%)3 Uncommon

Locations Worldwide Colder climates (northern US, Canada, Europe)

Warm, coastal areas

(also sub and tropical Central & South America & Caribbean

Pathogenic Very pathogenic: anemia Rarely pathogenic Cutaneous larva

migrans Blood per worm per

day

adult female: ~40l; adult male: ~13l 0.3l 1 to 2l

Mouthparts 3 pairs of teeth 1 pair of large; cutting plates 1 pair of small 1 www.capcvet.org

2 Bowman, DD. Hookworm Parasites of Dogs and Cats. Compend Contin Educ #2. Vol 14, No. 5, May 1992

3 Prevalence of Canine Parasites Based on Fecal Flotation. Blagburn BL et al.Compend Contin Educ Pract Vet 18: 483-509, 1996

Ancylostomacaninum

Uncinaria stenocephala

Ancylostoma braziliense

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Physaloptera spp.

Embryonated eggs of Physaloptera spp. (stomach worm)

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT NEMATODES SCALE

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Egg of T. leonina

Toxascaris leonina Toxocara canis

Egg of T. canis

Toxocara cati

Egg of T. cati Note the size is about 10 percent smaller than the T. canis egg.

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT NEMATODES1 2 3S

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1: T. canis2: T. leonina3: T. cati

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Egg of B. procyonis

Baylisascaris procyonis


Toxocara canis

Egg of T. canis

Note the similarities.Differentiation can be made based on size and color, as the egg of B. procyonis is roughly three-quarters the size of T. canis and typically appears darker.

1: B. procyonis2: T. canis

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1 2

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Egg of T. vulpis

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Trichuris vulpis Trichuris vulpis

Adults of T. vulpis Note how the whip-like anterior ends are laced through the mucosa.


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Motile trophozoite of Giardia spp. (iodine stain)

Giardia spp. Giardia spp.

Cyst of Giardia spp. (iodine stain)

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT PROTOZOA

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1 2

1: trophozoite2: cyst

* certain assemblages may infect humans

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Nonsporulated oocysts of I. canis Nonsporulated oocysts of I. ohioensis

Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp.

Parasites of the GASTROINTESTINAL TRACT PROTOZOA 21SCALE

1: I. canis2: I. ohioensis

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Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp.

Nonsporulated oocysts of I. felis Nonsporulated oocysts of I. rivolta

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1: I. felis2: I. rivolta

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Nonsporulated oocysts of T. gondiiCompare the size of T. gondii to I. felis in the background.

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Toxoplasma gondii


Cryptosporidium spp.

Sporulated oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp.

1: T. gondii2: Cryptosporidium spp.

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Larva of A. abstrususNote dorsal appendage on tail of larva.

Aelurostrongylus abstrusus

Parasites of the RESPIRATORY TRACT NEMATODES

Egg of E. aerophila

Eucoleus (Capillaria) aerophilus

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1 2

1: A. abstrusus2: E. aerophilus

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Egg of P. kellicotti. Note the collar surrounding the operculum.

Paragonimus kellicotti

Parasites of the RESPIRATORY TRACT TREMATODES

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Egg of a P. plica from urinary sedimentation

Pearsonema (Capillaria) plica

Stained egg of P. feliscati from urinary sedimentation

Pearsonema (Capillaria) feliscati

Parasites of the URINARY TRACT NEMATODES 21SCALE

1: P. feliscati2: P. plica

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PSEUDOPARASITES

PseudoparasitesAlternaria spp. 32Free-living nematode 33Grain mite egg 34Planarian 34Pollen granules 35

Spurious parasiteMonocystis lumbrici or Rhyncocystis pilosa spore 36

Pseudoparasites are specimens found in feces or blood that are mistaken for parasites. (For the purpose of this manual, only examples of pseudoparasites found in feces are included.) Pseudo parasites can be differentiated from spurious parasites, which are parasites of a host other than the host under examination. For example, dogs and cats often consume feces of other vertebrate animals or consume invertebrates and will sometimes excrete stages of parasites unique to their prey. Monocystis lumbrici is an example of a spurious parasite. While it is a true parasite of earthworms, dogs and cats can ingest earthworms, causing M. lumbrici to appear in fecal examinations.

PSEUDOPARASITES

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These conidia are common environmental fungal contaminants.

PSEUDOPARASITES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Alternaria spp.

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These pseudoparasites are often recovered from feces collected from the ground. Note the bulbed esophagus.

Free-living nematode

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INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATSPSEUDOPARASITES

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Dogs and cats ingest these eggs by eating mite-infested food. Eggs are often recovered during fecal flotation.

Grain mite egg

This free-living flatworm is not a parasite but crawls into water dishes kept outside. It can then be ingested and is sometimes regurgitated by dogs and cats.

Planarian

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Pine pollen

Pollen granules Pollen granules

Tree pollen

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INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATSPSEUDOPARASITES

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These spurious parasites often infect earthworms; dogs and cats may ingest earthworms. In fecal flotations, the spore is similar in appearance to eggs of T. vulpis, although much smaller.

Monocystis lumbrici or Rhyncocystis pilosa spores

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PARASITE LIFE CYCLES

FelineAelurostrongylus abstrusus 38Ancylostoma tubaeforme 39Dirofilaria immitis 40Taenia spp. 41Toxascaris leonina 42Toxocara cati 43Uncinaria stenocephala 44

CanineAncylostoma caninum 45Baylisascaris procyonis 46Dipylidium caninum 47Dirofilaria immitis 48Echinococcus granulosus 49Echinococcus multilocularis 50Taenia spp. 51Toxascaris leonina 52Toxocara canis 53Trichuris vulpis 54Uncinaria stenocephala 55

PARASITE LIFE CYCLES

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INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATSPARASITE LIFE CYCLES

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Tissues of transport host or intermediate host

ingested by cat

Adult worms in lung produce eggs.

Larvae hatch from eggs

Larvae move to intestine via

tracheal migration

Transport host ingests

intermediate host

Larvae ingested by intermediate hosts

(snails and slugs)

Larvae are passed in faeces

AELUROSTRONGYLUS ABSTRUSUS

Prepatent period: 7-9 weeksPatent period: several years

Larvae are passed in feces

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Larvae migrate via lungs to the intestine and mature to adult

Adult worms lay eggs in small intestine

Infective larvae penetrate skin or ingested by cat directly or

with transport host

Eggs embryonate and hatch; larvae undergo two molts to infective

third-stage larvae

Nonembryonated eggs pass in faeces

Larvae can be ingested by transport host

Humans can be infected by larvae penetrating the skin

Larvae migrate in the skin

ANCYLOSTOMA TUBAEFORME

Prepatent period: 2-3 weeksPatent period: can be prolonged depending on immune status

Nonembryonated eggs pass in feces

A. tubaeforme: The principal routes of transmission are through ingestion and skin penetration. Parateric transmission occurs rarely, if at all

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Mosquito bites cat and transmits

infective microfilariae

Larvae mature into adults in the pulmonary arteries and the right heart; female adults

release microfilariae in the blood

Microfilariae develop in mosquito to infective microfilariae.

Development in the mosquito is temperature-dependant; infective larvae can develop in 8 days at 30C

Mosquito ingests microfilariae with

blood meal

DIROFILARIA IMMITIS

Prepatent period: 6-8 monthsPatent period: usually short

Microfi lariae develop in mosquito to infective L3 stage. Development

in the mosquito is temperature-dependant; infected larvae can

develop in 8 days at 30C

Mosquito bites cat and transmits

infective L3

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Tissues of intermediate host

ingested by cat

Eggs released from segments or are free in faeces

Posterior segments of adult worms or eggs are

passed in faeces

Adult worms in small intestine

Eggs ingested by intermediate host (mouse, squirrel, etc)

TAENIA spp.

Prepatent period: 4-11 weeksPatent period: several years

Cats mainly: Taenia taeniaeformis


passed in feces

Eggs released fromsegments or are free in feces

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Tissues of transport host or

embryonated eggs ingested by cat

Embryonated eggs ingested by

transport host

Embryonated eggs survive for long periods

in contaminated environments


Larvae mature in small intestine, adult worms lay eggs

Eggs embryonate

Larvae undergo two molts to infective third-stage larvae within the egg

TOXASCARIS LEONINA

Prepatent period: 13 weeksPatent period: 4-6 weeks


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Adult worms lay eggs in the small intestine

Larvae migrate via liver and lung to intestine

and mature to adults

Transmission to offspring:

Transmammary

Tissues of transport host or embryonated eggs

ingested by cat


transport host


Eggs embryonate


Embryonated eggs survive for long periods in contaminated

environments

Humans can be infected by ingesting embryonated eggs

Larvae migrate to internal organs (i.e. muscles, eyes and central nervous system)

TOXOCARA CATI

Prepatent period: 3-6 weeksPatent period: 4-6 months


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Infective larvae ingested by cat


third-stage larvae


UNCINARIA STENOCEPHALA



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Transmammary

Infective larvae penetrate skin or ingested by dog directly or with

transport host


Larvae can be ingested by

transport host


third-stage larvae

Humans can be infected by larvae penetrating the skin

Larvae migrate in the skin

ANCYLOSTOMA CANINUM

Prepatent period: 2-3 weeksPatent period: 7 months to 2 years, can be prolonged depending on immune status


Infective larvae penetrate skin or foot pads or

ingested by dog directly or with transport host

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Larvae develop to adults in the small intestine, adult worms lay eggs


embryonated eggs ingested by dog


transport host


Eggs embryonate



environments



BAYLISASCARIS PROCYONIS

Prepatent period: 8 weeksPatent period: 4-6 months


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Infected adult flea ingested by dog

Posterior (gravid) segments or individual egg packets

are passed in faeces

Segments and egg packets in faeces and on fur in perineal area

Infectious larvae develops as larval flea

develops into adult

Eggs ingested by larval flea*


DIPYLIDIUM CANINUM

Prepatent period: 2-3 weeksPatent period: several months

*On occasion: dog biting lice Trichodectes canis

Posterior (gravid) segments or individual egg packets

are passed in feces

Segments and egg packets in feces and on fur in perineal area

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Mosquito bites dog and transmits

infective microfilariae

Microfilariae develop in mosquito to infective microfilariae.

Development in the mosquito is temperature-dependant; infective larvae can develop in 8 days at 30C

Mosquito ingests microfilariae with

blood meal

Larvae mature into adults in the pulmonary arteries and the right heart; female adults

release microfilariae in the blood

DIROFILARIA IMMITIS

Prepatent period: 6 monthsPatent period: several years

Eff ects of immature heartworms:

Disease associated with Dirofi laria immitis may not be limited to mature adult worms. Advancement of L4 to immature adult heartworm (L5) begins at 50 days post infection. By day 58 approximately half of the L4 have become immature adults, and by day 70 all L4 are now immature adults. These small worms (approx. 1.5 cm) are carried by the fl ow of blood to the pulmonary arteries. Infl ammatory events associated with these and maturing later stages include peri-arteritis, interstitial edema and infl ammatory interstitial disease. These immature worms in the pulmonary vessels are not detectable by veterinarians with available heartworm tests.

Eff ects of adult heartworms:

Presence of adult worms in the right heart and pulmonary arteries results in the more commonly observed disease syndrome. The physical presence of adult worms can lead to infl ammation and proliferation of the arterial walls (villous endarteritis). Death of adult worms and resulting embolic worm fragments can trigger a cascade of infl ammatory events leading to thrombosis and decreased blood fl ow to the lungs. In severe, long- standing infections, ventricular hypertrophy and classical right heart failure are observed.

Note: Infective larvae reach the heart and lungs about 3 months after being transmitted to the animal by a bite from a carrier mosquito. A positive blood test will be achieved after 66.5 months, when infective larvae have matured into adult heartworms.

Microfi lariae develop in mosquito to infective L3 stage. Development

in the mosquito is temperature-dependant; infected larvae can

develop in 8 days at 30C

Mosquito bites dog and transmits

infective L3

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Tissues of intermediate host

ingested by dog or cat

Eggs ingested by intermediate host (sheep, cattle and horses)

Humans can be infected through eggs (directly

from animals or through contaminated food)

Hydatids forming in the liver may result in death

Hydatids forming in the liver or the lungs of the intermediate host

Posterior segments of adult worms pass in faeces

Eggs are released from segments

Eggs in faeces

Adult worms in small intestineECHINOCOCCUS GRANULOSUS

Prepatent period: 45 daysPatent period: several months

Posterior segments of adult worms

pass in feces

Eggs in feces

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Intermediate host ingested by dog or cat

Eggs ingested by intermediate host

Humans can be infected through eggs (directly

from animals or through contaminated food)

Hydatids forming in the liver may result in death

Hydatids forming in the liver of the intermediate host

Posterior segments of adult worms pass in faeces

Eggs are released from segments

Eggs in faeces

Adult worms in small intestineECHINOCOCCUS MULTILOCULARIS

Prepatent period: 28 daysPatent period: several months

Posterior segments of adult worms

pass in feces

Eggs in feces

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Tissues of intermediate host ingested by dog

Eggs released from segments or are free in faeces


passed in faeces

Eggs ingested by intermediate host (rabbit, sheep, etc)


TAENIA spp.

Prepatent period: 4-10 weeksPatent period: 1 month to several years


passed in feces

Eggs released fromsegments or are free in feces

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52

Larvae mature in small intestine, adult worms lay eggs


embryonated eggs ingested by dog


transport host

Embryonated eggs survive for long periods

in contaminated environments


Eggs embryonate


TOXASCARIS LEONINA

Prepatent period: 8 weeksPatent period: 4-6 months


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53



Transplacentral or transmammary

Tissues of transport host or embryonated eggs

ingested by dog


transport host


environments


Larvae migrate via liver and lung to intestine and mature to adults

Eggs embryonate




TOXOCARA CANIS

Prepatent period: 21 days after transplacental infection 27-35 days after lactogenic infection 3-4 weeks after egg infectionPatent period: 4-6 months


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54

Embryonated eggs ingested

by dog

Embryonated eggs can survive for years in the

environment

Adult worms lay eggs in large intestine

Embryonated eggs with infective first larvae in faeces

Eggs embryonate

Eggs are passed in faeces

TRICHURIS VULPIS

Prepatent period: 8 weeksPatent period: up to 18 months

Embryonated eggs can survive 5-7 years in the environment

Eggs arepassed in fecesEmbryonated eggs with

infective fi rst larvae in feces

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Infective larvae ingested by dog


third-stage larvae


UNCINARIA STENOCEPHALA



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PARASITE PREVALENCE

Intestinal parasites are present in all regions of the United States How prevalent are the most common canine and feline parasites?

PARASITE PREVALENCE

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PARASITE PREVALENCE INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

58

WESTA. caninum (hookworm) 2.1%T. canis (roundworm) 5.8%T. vulpis (whipworm) 5.2%

SOUTHEASTA. caninum (hookworm) 53%T. canis (roundworm) 16.8%T. vulpis (whipworm) 27.1%

NORTHEASTA. caninum (hookworm) 12.7%T. canis (roundworm) 8.1%T. vulpis (whipworm) 16.8%

MIDWESTA. caninum (hookworm) 19.4%T. canis (roundworm) 12.5%T. vulpis (whipworm) 12.7%

Are you seeing parasite prevalence similar to the national prevalence demonstrated below?

Parasite National Prevalence1

Intestinal parasites are prevalent in all regions of the United States.

1 Blagburn BL: World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, Calgary, CANADA, August 9-13, 2009. Sponsored by Bayer Animal Health

Note that the National Prevalence

of whipwoms is greater than that of roundworms

HookwormA. caninum

RoundwormT. canis

WhipwormT. vulpis

33.3%

13.2%

19.4%

2009 US Canine Parasite Prevalence Survey (n=4,015)

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2009 US Feline Parasite Prevalence Survey (N=1,808)

Parasite National Prevalence1

RoundwormToxacara cati

HookwormAncylostoma tubaeforme

21.6%

8.6%

1 Blagburn BL: World Association for the Advancement of Veterinary Parasitology, Calgary, CANADA, August 9-13, 2009. Sponsored by Bayer Animal Health

WESTT. cati (roundworm) 17.8% A. tubaeforme (hookworm) 6.3%

SOUTHEASTT. cati (roundworm) 21.3% A. tubaeforme (hookworm) 21.1%

NORTHEASTT. cati (roundworm) 26.4% A. tubaeforme (hookworm) 3.5%

MIDWESTT. cati (roundworm) 21.2% A. tubaeforme (hookworm) 2.6%

Are you seeing parasite prevalence similar to the national prevalence demonstrated below?

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DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES

Direct smear 62Sedimentation 63Flotation 64Centrifugation 65

Do not underestimate the importance of accurately conducting fecal examinations. Internal parasites that can be detected by fecal examination remain prevalent in U.S. dogs and cats; some of these are important zoonotic agents.

The following descriptions will help you choose the most appropriate diagnostic procedure. You will also find guidelines and techniques to help achieve the greatest success while conducting these procedures.

DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES

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DIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

62

The direct smear technique is most appropriate when: You suspect protozoa that can be demonstrated as active motile stages

(e.g., Giardia or trichomonads).

You suspect a parasite that passes motile larval stages in feces.

Flotation solution might distort the parasite stages you wish to detect.

Notes: Many larvae also can be recovered in a flotation procedure.

The direct smear procedure is convenient and fast, but has low sensitivity due to the small amount of feces used and the amount of debris on the slide.

Direct smear procedure:1. Apply a small amount of fresh feces to water or saline solution

on a slide and mix thoroughly.

2. Add a coverslip.

3. Examine the entire slide. Thickness of the smear should allow reading newsprint placed beneath it.

Note:Iodine can be added to the direct smear at the coverslip margin to stain motile protozoa, cysts or larvaeor for flotation techniques, the coverslip can be added to a drop of iodine already placed on the slide.

Direct smear

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63

The sedimentation procedure is most appropriate when: Parasite stages are too heavy to float in standard flotation solutions

(e.g., heavy operculated fluke eggs or larvae of lungworms).

Flotation solutions may distort the parasite stages you wish to detect.

Notes:Centrifuging sedimentation samples can increase test speed and improve performance.

Some larvae can be recovered in a flotation procedure.

A sedimentation preparation can be difficult to read due to large amounts of debris on the slide.

Sedimentation procedure:1. Centrifuge or let preparation stand until sediment forms.2. Remove most of the liquid above the sediment.3. Place a drop of the sediment on a slide, then add a cover-

slip and examine.

Sedimentation

Sample preparation for sedimentationSimple straining procedures can separate large debris from para-sites and from smaller debris.1. Mix feces thoroughly

with water in a clean disposable cup.

2. Pour the mixture through a metal strainer (preferred) or gauze sponges into a second clean cup.

3. Add the strained mixture to a tube.

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INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATSDIAGNOSTIC TECHNIQUES

64

Simple flotation is most appropriate when: You want better sensitivity than can be provided in a direct smear.

A centrifuge is not available or feasible.

Notes:Simple flotation improves sensitivity over direct smear when a small amount of feces is being tested.

Simple flotation provides less sensitivity than flotation using centrifugation.

Simple flotation procedure:1. Mix feces and flotation solution (see sidebar at left) and pour into

a tube.2. Add flotation solution to form a meniscus.3. Add coverslip and wait 15 minutes.4. Remove coverslip, place on slide and examine.

Simple flotationFlotation solution guidelines Desired specific gravity of

a fecal flotation solution is 1.181.20, measured with a hydrometer.

Common parasite eggs have specific gravities between 1.06 and 1.20.

Remember that simple flotation may underestimate or misdiagnose low parasite burdens.

Sample preparation for flotationSimple straining procedures can separate large debris from para-sites and from smaller debris.1. Mix feces thoroughly with flo-

tation solution in a clean dis-posable cup. Try to use at least 1 gram of fresh feces (a cube about 12 inch on each side; a fecal loop sample is about 0.1 gram).



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65

Comparison of Common Fecal Flotation Techniques for the Recovery of

Parasite Eggs and Oocysts

M. W. Dryden, P. A. Payne, R. Ridley, and V. Smith

A variety of procedures are available to detect parasite eggs or oocysts in feces. This study compared the efficacy of simple flotation, a commercial assay, and various centrifugation techniques and three common flotation solutions. Results indicate that centrifugation consistently recovered more eggs than other methods. Proper technique is critical, including ensuring that the specific gravity of the flotation solution is correct and allowing the sample to stand for a sufficient amount of time before examining the coverslip. Because of the zoonotic health risks of many companion animal parasites, veterinarians and their staff should better utilize

fecal examinations in their routine diagnostic plan.

Veterinary Therapeutics Vol. 6, No. 1, Spring 2005

1 Dryden MW et al. "Comparison of common fecal flotation techniques for the recovery of parasite eggs and oocysts." Veterinary Therapeutics. 2005: 6(1): 15-21.

Intestinal parasites can be difficult to diagnose.

In a recent study1 comparing direct smear, Ovassay, and centrifugation techniques, the results showed a

wide disparity in how often each test failed to detect the eggs:

Note the reduction of whipworm false negatives when comparing direct smear to centrifugation..

Centrifugal

Flotation

Technique Whipwormfalse negatives

Roundwormfalse negatives

Hookwormfalse negatives

Direct smear 92.61% 85.38% 72.82%

Ovassay 32.02% 25.88% 4.85%

Centrifugation 4.93% 10.53% 0.97%

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66

Flotation solution guidelines Desired specific gravity of a fecal

flotation solution is 1.181.20, measured with a hydrometer.

Common parasite eggs have specific gravities between 1.06 and 1.20.

Sample preparation for flotationSimple straining procedures can separate large debris from para-sites and from smaller debris.1. Mix feces thoroughly with

flota tion solution in a clean disposable cup. Try to use at least 1 gram of fresh feces (a cube about 12 inch on each side; a fecal loop sample is about 0.1 gram).



Centrifugal flotation is most appropriate when: Sensitivity is the most important criteria in selecting a fecal examination procedure.

Notes: Increased test sensitivity will improve accuracy in recovering fecal stages from animals with low parasite burdens.

Centrifugal flotation is the most sensitive fecal concentration procedure available to the veterinarian.

Centrifugal flotation procedure with a swinging bucket centrifuge:1. Mix feces and flotation solution (see sidebar at left) and pour into a centri-

fuge tube.2. Place sample in centrifuge tube holder.3. Add flotation solution to form a meniscus and place a coverslip on the tube.4. Spin at 1,200 rpm for 10 minutes.5. Stop centrifuge, remove coverslip, place on slide and examine.

Centrifugal flotation procedure with a fixed-angle centrifuge:1. Mix feces and flotation solution (see sidebar at left) and pour into a

centrifuge tube, filling to within 1/2 to 1 inch of the top.2. Place sample in centrifuge tube holder.3. Spin at 1,200 rpm for 5 minutes.4. Stop centrifuge, place sample upright in a tube holder and add flotation

solution to form a meniscus.5. Add a coverslip and let stand for 10 minutes.6. Remove coverslip, place on slide and examine.

Centrifugal flotation

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67

Common fecal flotation solutions Preparation Flotation Specific Gravity (hot water) Comments

Water 1.00 (standard Not applicable Not applicable for comparison)

Sodium chloride 1.20 approx. 400 g/liter Inexpensive; forms crystals on slide.

Sodium nitrate 1.181.20 approx. 400 g/liter Good all-purpose solution; forms crystals on slide.

Zinc sulfate 1.181.20 approx. 371 g/liter Good all-purpose solution; excellent for protozoa. Best general-purpose specific gravity = 1.181.20; forms crystals on slide.

1.29 approx. 700 g/liter Will levitate heavy debris and parasites. Forms crystals more rapidly.

Magnesium sulfate 1.27 approx. 500 g/liter Good all-purpose solution. Will levitate heavy debris and parasites.

Sheathers sucrose 1.27 approx. 1,278 g/liter Excellent all-purpose solution; Add 6 ml phenol orformaldehyde to inhibit microbial growth; sticky solution attracts flies and other pests; this viscosity requires longer incubation time in simple flotation. Does not crystallize or distort specimens if samples are held.

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68

Specific gravities of selected parasites of companion animals*

*Modified from Payne PA and Dryden MW. DVM Best Practices, March 2003, pp. 811.

Parasite Common Name Specific Gravity

Ancylostoma spp. hookworm 1.06

Physaloptera spp. stomach worm 1.24

Taenia spp. taeniid tapeworm 1.23

Toxocara canis canine roundworm 1.09

Toxocara cati feline roundworm 1.10

Trichuris vulpis canine whipworm 1.15

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CAPC GUIDELINES

The Companion Animal Parasite Counsel (CAPC) is an independent counsel of U.S. veterinary, governmental, and association thought leaders brought together to create guidelines for optimal control of internal and external parasites. These guidelines have been developed to protect the health of pets, enhance the safety of the public, and preserve the bond between pets and people. Veterinarians and pet owners must take measures to protect pets from parasitic infections. Veterinarians, pet owners, and physicians should work together to reduce the risks associated with zoonotic transmission of parasitic diseases. Important preventive measures include:

practicing good personal hygiene; controlling pet parasite infections through internal and external parasite treatment and control; minimizing exposure of children to potentially contaminated environments; cleaning up pet feces regularly to reduce environmental contamination with infective parasite stages; and understanding and communicating parasitic infection risks and effective control measures.

For more information on CAPC, go to www.capcvet.org.

CAPC GUIDELINES

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CAPC GUIDELINES INTERNAL PARASITES OF DOGS AND CATS

Administer year-round treatment with broad-spectrum heartworm anthelmintics that have activity against parasites with zoonotic potential.

Administer preventive flea and/or tick products as soon after birth as possible (consistent with label claims) for the life of the pet.

Conduct annual physical examination with complete history.

Conduct periodic (annual is ideal) heartworm infection testing in dogs and periodic testing in cats.

Feed pets cooked or prepared food (not raw meat) and provide fresh, potable water.

Conduct fecal examinations two to four times during the first year of life and one to two times per year in adults, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors.

Administer anthelmintic treatment of puppies at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age, followed by administration of a monthly preventive.

Administer biweekly anthelmintic treatment of kittens between 3 and 9 weeks of age, followed by administra-tion of a monthly preventive.

Treat nursing bitches and queens along with their offspring.

Tailor parasite prevention programs to geographic, seasonal and lifestyle factors.

GUIDELINES FOR CONTROLLING PARASITES IN DOGS AND CATS

70

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71

In the absence of optimal year-round heartworm preventive/intestinal parasite combination products, use the following protocol:

Deworm puppies and kittens at 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks of age and then again monthly until 6 months of age.

In kittens, begin biweekly anthelmintic treatment between 3 and 9 weeks of age and then treat monthly until 6 months of age.

Conduct fecal examinations two to four times a year in adult pets, depending on patient health and lifestyle factors, and treat with appropriate parasiticides.

Test for heartworm status yearly in dogs and/or before starting preventive medications.

For additional resources please visit the following websites:

www.students.novartis.us

www.growingupwithpets.com

www.ah.novartis.com

www.heartwormsociety.org

www.capcvet.org

www.cdc.gov

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INDEX

Life Parasites Identification Cycles

Acanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) reconditum 6Aelurostrongylus abstrusus 28 38Ancylostoma caninum 16 45Ancylostoma tubaeforme 17 39Baylisascaris procyonis 22 46Cryptosporidium spp. 27Dipylidium caninum 10 47Dirofilaria immitis 7 40,48Echinococcus granulosus 14 49Echinococcus multilocularis 14 50Eucoleus (Capillaria) aerophila 28Giardia spp. 24 Isospora (Cystoisospora) spp. 25 Paragonimus kellicotti 29Pearsonema (Capillaria) feliscati 30Pearsonema (Capillaria) plica 30Physaloptera spp. 20Taenia spp. 15 41,51Toxascaris leonina 21 42,52Toxocara canis 21 53Toxocara cati 21 43Toxoplasma gondii 27 Trichuris vulpis 23 54Uncinaria stenocephala 18 44,55

Pseudoparasites Identification

Alternaria spp. 32Free-living nematode 33Grain mite egg 34Planarium 34Pollen granules 35

Spurious Parasite Identification

Monocystis lumbrici or Rhynococystis pilosa spore 36

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2010 Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. COR 100001A

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Documents

Internal Parasite Manual